1. FC Köln wrested a draw from championship candidate RB Leipzig. The spectators in the Rhein-Energie-Stadion were treated to an extremely entertaining game – but in the end there were no goals.
Fought but without goals: The duel between Benno Schmitz and FC (left) and André Silvas from Leipzig.
IMAGO/Vitalii Kliuiev
Cologne coach Steffen Baumgart made two changes after the 0-0 draw at Schalke, Tigges and Martel replaced Selke and Olesen (both on the bench) in the starting XI.
Leipzig coach Marco Rose, who was in action with his team in the 3-1 cup win against Hoffenheim during the week, made three changes in personnel. For the first time since the first day of the game on August 7th, Klostermann was allowed to play again from the start, and Raum and Henrichs also started. Simakan, Halstenberg and Forsberg initially had to watch for this.
Both teams were unbeaten in 2023, and RB had not been defeated for 17 competitive games. Accordingly, the Saxons came out of the dressing room with confidence: Less than three minutes were played when Werner appeared alone in front of Schwäbe, but went wide of the goal (3rd).
Schwäbe parries strong – double aluminum bad luck for Cologne
But the hosts then held back well, an open exchange of blows developed with speed runs on both sides, with the guests ultimately creating the greater opportunities. In minute 26 this time Silva was free in front of Schwäbe, but failed because of his strong foot defence.
After half an hour, things got worse in the Rhein-Energie Stadium, and referee Martin Petersen gave five warnings before the break. However, Hector did not see any – but should have seen them: the Cologne captain first fouled, but then the advantage for RB fizzled out. Instead, FC switched quickly, Maina hit the inside post, Ljubicic hammered the rebound on the crossbar (37th).
Werner’s hit doesn’t count – Selke hurts down again
An extremely entertaining and intense first half ended without a goal – but it should continue in the second half. This time less than two minutes were played before Werner was free and now he scored, but before that Silva had been offside and the goal was taken back (48′).
After that, FC took control and repeatedly disrupted the Leipzig build-up game early and successfully. The only drawback: the hosts were not really dangerous. The Rhinelanders repeatedly asserted themselves on the wing, but rarely found Tigges in the center. The attacks of Leipzig fizzled out in rows due to their own inaccuracies.
Unlucky was Selke, who came on for Tigges in the 72nd minute, but had to leave 13 minutes later with knee problems. Also worth mentioning because nothing happened after that and both clubs were satisfied with the fair draw after an intense game.
Cologne will host Eintracht Frankfurt next Sunday evening (5.30 p.m.). The people of Leipzig have Union Berlin as a guest on Saturday evening (6.30 p.m.).
